Galapagos Safari Camp
At the time, the Galápagos offered almost no comfortable land‑based options; meaningful stays were almost entirely cruise‑led. Inspired by their experiences in Africa, the couple envisioned a tented safari camp that would bring intimacy, authenticity and appropriate luxury to the islands. They transformed the former cattle farm into Latin America’s first true safari‑style lodge.
Crucially, they lived on‑site as a family, raising their two children in what is now the Family Suite, shaping the camp with a hands‑on, deeply personal approach. Their years on the land informed every detail: sustainability, low‑impact design, and a philosophy of connection to nature.
Location
The highland setting brings cooler air, wide horizons and deep tranquillity, yet the camp remains practical for exploration: it’s less than a 30-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, giving guests easy access to day‑trip boats while preserving complete seclusion.
Accommodation
The Family Safari Tent offers two separate sleeping areas linked by a shared living space, each with its own bathroom. One room is set as a double, the other as a twin, with space for an additional bed – a flexible arrangement ideal for larger families.
Communal life centres on the lodge, with its long hardwood dining table and veranda for al fresco meals. The infinity‑edge plunge pool, bar and lounge areas offer space to unwind. Dining follows a thoughtful, fixed‑menu approach shaped by Galápagos sustainability realities, focusing on flavour, creativity and responsible sourcing – an expression of the Camp’s philosophy of appropriate luxury, where comfort works in harmony with the environment.
Experiences
- Hike the rim of Los Gemelos, tracing the edges of two vast volcanic sinkholes while your guide helps you spot Galápagos doves, flycatchers and Darwin’s finches in the Scalesia forest.
- Walk among giant tortoises in the highland reserve, following a gentle circuit trail that brings you within metres of these iconic creatures, with the chance of glimpsing short‑eared owls in the trees.
- Set out by boat to uninhabited islands such as North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas or Santa Fe, exploring distinctive wildlife and dramatic volcanic scenery on a full‑day navigation.
- Cycle or drive to Garrapatero Beach, crossing from lush highlands to black lava, white sand and turquoise water; swim, kayak the coastline, and watch for flamingoes in the lagoon behind the beach.
- Visit a working highland farm, learning how sugar cane liqueur is made using traditional methods – including a mule‑driven press – and follow the full journey of Galápagos coffee from berry to roasted bean.
- Explore lava tunnels and coastal trails, biking down from the highlands or heading out to surf, kayak or simply wander through contrasting volcanic terrain.
- Discover conservation in action at the Charles Darwin Research Station, observing landbirds and learning how scientists protect the islands’ fragile ecosystems.
Why We Include Galapagos Safari Camp in our Journeys
We recommend the camp both as a standalone land‑based adventure – especially for families with inquisitive children – and as a complement to a boat‑based exploration of the wider archipelago. The Galápagos is best understood from multiple vantage points, not only sea level, and this highland perch transforms a journey.
Talk to us about designing your journey >
The Camp for Families
All activities follow the Head, Hands, Heart model and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, encouraging young guests to learn about sustainability, biodiversity and conservation through play. This approach keeps children curious, engaged and inspired throughout their Galápagos safari.
From the Team
“Galápagos Safari Camp shows that sustainability and exceptional comfort can coexist without compromise. Its approach feels entirely in tune with an environment of global ecological importance, and staying here is both inspiring and reassuring in equal measure.”
Why Plan with Journeysmiths
Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that address location-specific needs from education to conservation and environmental sustainability. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Great Places to Combine with Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos Safari Camp works beautifully as part of a wider journey in the Galápagos and even wider Latin America. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.Galapagos Safari Camp works beautifully as part of a wider journey in the Galápagos and even wider Latin America. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.
Unique Aqua Mare will take you through the spectacular volcanic islands of the Galapagos in utmost luxury. Complete with sun deck, outdoor barbeque areas, jacuzzi and panoramic lounge area, this is the ultimate Galapagos experience.
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Mashpi Lodge is a superb boutique hotel set in breathtaking rainforest surroundings, giving its guests an unrivalled Ecuadorian experience. Encounter exotic species, explore magical waterfalls, and completely unwind in your private suite.
The Petrel’s catamaran design creates the advantages of large, well proportioned spaces on board, along with excellent stability and speed. You will glide swiftly, silently and elegantly – just like a real petrel – between the islands of the Galapagos.
The Reserva Amazonica is in a unique location for a hotel. It’s in the depths of the rainforest, a 25-minute flight from Cusco, and the 35 cabanas are dotted amongst the trees.
The Galapagos and Peru
Apart from the amazing hotels, stunning locations, first class service and wonderful food, the whole holiday was curated perfectly by Joanna and team…. Peru has everything from rainforests to the Andes and the Inca trail doesn't disappoint. And the Galapagos is a living Natural History museum with out of this world animals - but shhhh don't tell anyone, or they'll all want to go!
Treat your family to an extraordinary wildlife adventure holiday in the Galapagos and Ecuador. It’s a place you’ll likely visit just once so be sure to do it well. We have access to the finest yachts, lodges and expert guides. This way your family can visit remote islands in comfort and privacy encountering amazing wildlife.
If you’re looking for a place where you can embrace adventure, learn more about our planet’s incredible wildlife and truly connect to nature, Ecuador has it all.
We’ve created an enticing list of the most memorable things to do in Ecuador.
We’ve created an exciting list of the most memorable things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
Is the Galápagos archipelago only discoverable by boat? Not at all. While liveaboards remain iconic, an immersive, lodge‑based stay can be every bit as rewarding. The real question is which style of experience suits you best, and whether the two should be combined. Here’s our advice.